Island Echo has undergone a makeover as a new era dawns for the Island’s leading news website.
Over the past 12 months, the team has been busy collating feedback, developing ideas and putting plans into action to bring forward a brand new website design – the first in over 6 years.
Today (Friday) the new site goes live for the very first time, bringing about exciting new features, functionality and ease of access while retaining all important familiarity.
Working with local design agency Four Point Digital, the new www.islandecho.co.uk offers a refreshed, cleaner design that is more in tune with modern trends and expectations. Responsiveness and accessibility have been key considerations in the site’s development to reflect the growing number of mobile readers. Not only are articles easier to read on smaller screens, but you can now adjust the font size across all devices and social icons make sharing stories with your friends and family that much easier.
Most importantly, care has been taken to ensure that advertisements don’t hinder the user experience and that readers can always actually see the article they are looking to read, something we know Islanders hate about other websites. Although important to the continued growth of Island Echo and for supporting local businesses, ads should not act as a barrier.
In addition to the improved design and accessibility, the comments system has had a complete overhaul to address concerns raised in last year’s annual reader survey. From today, all commenters must register for an account using a genuine email – and then log in to leave their thoughts beneath a news article.
And there’s more… Island Echo has moved to new premises in Ryde, joining the business community at Fortis House. The new, modern newsroom is geared up for the continued expansion of both the editorial and commercial teams in the coming months. This starts with Carl Atkinson-Goffe joining the business as Commercial Manager from Monday, leading Island Echo forward into 2025 and beyond.
Darren Toogood, Editor/Publisher of Island Echo, says:
“The whole team is very excited to finally launch this brand new website, which I am sure you will agree is a vast improvement. “In 2024 we are making significant investments in the company to excel us forward into a new era, at a time when the local news market is changing at rapid pace. The trio of the new offices, new website and our first-ever commercial manager will help take Island Echo to the next level and ensure we continue to bring you all the latest Island news as it happens – first, fast and free – for many years to come. “Your feedback on the new website is most welcome – either by commenting below or emailing [email protected]. There will of course be some minor issues to iron out in the coming days and weeks, so please do bear with us”.
John Williams, of Four Point Digital, adds:
“We’re excited to have had the opportunity to help with the new-look Island Echo website, focusing on delivering a more seamless user experience.
“By thoroughly evaluating reader feedback, we recognised the importance of a forward-thinking design to meet future needs. A key focus of the rebuild has allowed us to introduce improved technical abilities which will benefit both readers and advertisers alike, further solidifying Island Echo’s position as a market leader locally”.
